ANGUL (India CSR): Furthering its efforts for inclusive development and support for the education of tribal girls, the Jindal Foundation, the social arm of Jindal Steel, laid the foundation stone for the Yashasvini Jindal Girls’ Hostel at Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama S.T. Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Badarohila, Kishorenagar, Angul Shallu Jindal Ji, Chairperson, Jindal Foundation, performed the Bhoomi pujan and laid the foundation stone today. The initiative aims to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing residential facility to enhance access to quality education for girls in tribal and remote areas.
In her inspiring address to the students and community members, Shallu Jindal Ji emphasised the transformative nature of education for young girls and said, “Education and empowerment of girls remain at the core of our CSR vision. I am sure this hostel will not just provide safe accommodation and academic support but also enable them to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.” He appreciated the management of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama for their efforts to educate girls in remote areas.
The new hostel, expected to be completed in six months, will accommodate 330 girl students, significantly enhancing the residential facilities of the school. The additional infrastructure is expected to address the existing accommodation shortage and provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for the students, thereby strengthening access to quality education.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Ananta Shasini, Founder of the Ramakrishna Ashrama, followed by an introductory note by Mr Prashanta Hota, President, Jindal Steel. Emphasising the visionary leadership of Naveen Jindal, Chairman, Jindal Steel, and the pivotal role of Ms Shallu Jindal, Chairperson, Jindal Foundation, Hota said, “At Jindal Foundation we always believe sustainable development begins with equal access to education, especially for girls. This hostel is a critical addition to our education-focused CSR interventions and reflects our long-term commitment to inclusive and sustainable community development.”
The ceremony included traditional worship and rituals, including the laying of the Adhar Shila and Purnahuti. It was attended by community leaders, local stakeholders, Guruji Srimad Bansidhar Balaram Dash, Jindal Steel’s Head of CSR Mr Rishi Pathania, HoD–CSR (Angul) Mr Jayanta Kumar Mohanty, the School’s Founder Mr Seshadev Shasini, Co-Founder Mr Ananta Shasini, Co-founder and other officials.
The Yashasvini Jindal Girls’ Hostel stands as a testament to the Jindal Foundation’s continued commitment to education, empowerment, and holistic development of tribal communities in Odisha. Notably, the Foundation continues to strengthen the education ecosystem through initiatives such as after-school learning, the YASHASVI scholarship for women and girls, the O.P. Jindal Star & Jewel scholarship, Jindal Asha, Savitri Jindal DAV High School, and various other educational initiatives.
(India CSR)
